Last November over two hundred guests attended an event to mark fifty years of Donegal Co-Operative Livestock Mart in the Central Hotel in Donegal.

In front of an attendance which included the President of the IFA, Joe Healy as well as local TDs Charlie McConalogue, Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher, Thomas Pringle and Pearse Doherty, the Co-operative’s Manager Eimear McGuinness highlighted the hardship facing those involved in the farming industry.

The Cavan native spoke of the need for serious action be taken in support of beef farmers. She also said that a direct Suckler Cow premium of €200 a head was vital for farmers while, in his address, Joe Healy outlined the implications of Brexit and how the IFA aims to help farmers during this difficult time.

On a more positive note, the night was a reminder of all that is good about Donegal Co-operative Livestock mart and hailed the input of those who have contributed to its longevity down through the years. Eimear McGuinness thanked those in attendance for their continued support.

“Reaching the 50 year milestone was, of course, a fine achievement,” she said in conversation with Irish Tractor & Agri magazine. “Farming is a big thing here in Donegal town, indeed all over the county. There are a lot of marts dotted throughout Donegal and a lot of them would be celebrating 50 years of trading in or around now.”

Also on the night, Seamus Og Campbell outlined the history associated with the organisation and recalled many founding members, including his own father, Seamus Campbell.

With sales days on Tuesdays (sheep) and Fridays (cattle), Donegal Co-operative Livestock Mart is a long established and trusted farmer owned co-operative right at the heart of the Donegal farming industry, with livestock auctions at the core of its business.

What have been the secrets of the mart’s success? “A lot of hard work,” Eimear answered without hesitation.

Eimear’s involvement with Donegal Co-operative stretches back to 2003 when she started working in the mart’s office. She obviously made a big impression because four years later she was appointed manager. Her farming upbringing made her an ideal fit for the role.

“I grew up on a farm with an Aberdeen Angus pedigree herd and I spent a lot of time in my younger years showing cattle.

“When I took over, I saw an opening for weanlings and exports. Other marts in Donegal weren’t doing that. We saw a niche in the market and we took the decision to diversify. We worked on that, built it up and I’m happy to say it has been going very well for past few years. A lot of good quality weanlings are produced in Donegal as well as Sligo and Leitrim.

“Then, three years ago, in 2014, we started sending lambs direct to factory for slaughter and that has also proven to be a great success. It has taken a lot of hard work but has turned out to be very profitable.”

A policy of continuous reinvestment in the Mart and its facilities is another vital ingredient in their winning formula.

“Any money we get goes back into the mart and improving its facilities. In 2014 we installed two new rings and a new roof which resulted in a vast improvement in ventilation. We’ve also installed a new export layerage in one of the yards while last year we built new office at a cost of €25,000 last year.

“We’re based just inside Donegal town and it really is an ideal location.”

When asked to elaborate on the difficulties facing beef farmers she touched on in her speech at the anniversary event, Eimear, who doubles up as Chairperson of the Donegal Marts Association, answered: “The reduction in cow numbers is taking its toll big time and making it almost impossible to make a living. In 2015, there was 53,265 less cattle in the country and that figure was probably a lot less last year.

“The Beef Data and Genomics Programme is too complicated. There should be a direct Suckler Cow premium of €200 per head in order to ensure that beef farmers can remain in business.”

Eimear and her team of 15 part-time employees are committed to providing a comprehensive and highly efficient livestock marketing service for producers, based on the highest levels of integrity to satisfy the needs of both buyers and sellers.

“We provide a safe and secure way for farmers to sell their livestock which is, of course, very important in this day and age. Marts all regulated now and everything has to be in order. We aim to get farmers the best price for their animals and ensure prompt payment at all times.

“Looking ahead to the future, we’d certainly hope to be here for another 50 years! I do think we have to change and diversify as we go along. With a little bit of thinking outside of the box I see no reason why we can’t continue to expand and grow.”

Donegal Livestock Co-operative Mart

Donegal town

Co Donegal

Tel: 074 9721185

Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 5 No 1, January/February 2017

Donegal Livestock Co-operative Mart